"When we first found out that I was pregnant, we knew that we wanted to hire a doula. As a non-binary person navigating the hyper feminized realm of child birth, it was especially important to me that we find a doula who was queer affirming. From the moment we met Sal we were so excited for her to be a partner in the experience of growing, birthing and caring for an infant. Prior to labor she took the time to really get to know us as a family, and offered queer-centric resources that helped us feel empowered going into labor. When we arrived at the hospital Sal put up signs in our room with my pronouns and parenting name, and reminded practitioners of them. During labor (an induction that spanned three days!) Sal was incredible. Her calm, steady presence helped both of us feel safe, secure and comforted. She seamlessly moved into support, beautifully holding space for us while gently offering different things that might help. She communicated with nurses and midwives on our behalf, made sure that we both had water. During some of the most intense moments of childbirth when I couldn't say more than one or two words I remember thinking that it was as though she could read my mind because she was so adept at anticipating my needs. She also thoughtfully captured photos of the birth process, something that we would have certainly forgot to do had she not been there. Those are some of the most treasured photos that we have!
In the postpartum time Sal cooked us delicious meals, spent time processing the birth, and kept us company. I'd lost some blood during the birth, and after spending so many hours in the hospital with us she made sure to come and drop off some nettle tea to help with my low iron levels. She also offered some beautiful practices for physical and emotional healing that helped me feel so cared for.
Without a doubt working with Sal was one of the best decisions that we made. I had such a positive birth experience, and it was in large part due to Sal's deep care, intuitive support, and quiet advocacy on our behalf. Sal was a true partner who worked with us during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period to feel empowered in this vulnerable, awe inspiring, and often challenging time. Queer birth and parenting to me in part means disrupting systems that dehumanize, engaging in radical love, and deepening connection to myself and others. Sal supported me in that work. I hope that every birthing person gets the opportunity to be seen, supported and held in the way that Sal did for us." - Katie
"Sal was curious, compassionate, and consistent. She bridged the space between my sense of isolation and the reminder that community still existed. Sal trusted my trust of my body and my process. She listened to me uncritically. She allowed herself to be moved by me, which in turn allowed me to be moved; the transformative intimacy you might expect to find in a labor together, we did in conversations before and after. I softened. The connection she offered me allowed me to have the emotional bravery it takes to ask for help, so that ultimately I was able to ask for and receive the support I needed from multiple friends when the time came to give birth. Sal was able to show up with curiosity, care, interest, and a shame-free environment, one without pressure. On top of all of that, she held the tender silly woes of my queer polyamorous heart, which is not a doula requirement, but certainly a sweet bonus. Sal continues to offer me warmth." - Nicole
"Sally was an amazing help throughout my whole pregnancy and labor. She prepped me for labor with various pain management methods, laboring positions, and exercises. My first daughter was birthed via cesarean and I was determined to try for a VBAC for my second daughter. I believe Sally played a major role in having a successful VBAC this time around! She was supportive through the entire labor process and was a great advocate for me." - Lynette
"Sally is an excellent doula! She provided my partner and I with many visits both before and after the birth of our son. During each of her visits she answered many of our questions and provided excellent resources. I appreciated her knowledge of different herbal remedies! Her knowledge of the birthing process allowed us to write a birth plan that we were really happy with and she gave us a better understanding of what to expect. All of this helped to calm many of our worries and give us more confidence during the birth. After the birth, Sally’s visits again gave us more confidence and answered many of our questions. I struggled with anxiety and having Sally as a resource and a listening ear was massively beneficial for me. She is kind and compassionate and always willing to go above and beyond." - Sam
"My goal for giving birth to our daughter was to do it unmedicated. With Sally’s encouragement, I was able to do it successfully. Having Sally be a part of our prenatal, birth and postpartum journey was the best decision my partner and I made. She made everything feel more at ease and my partner felt more confident with her there. She knew exactly what I needed at the right time. Sally kept her focus on me throughout the entire birth experience and advocated for me. We are forever grateful to have had Sally’s support in such a monumental time in our lives." - Morgan
